Steve Smith in action for Washington Freedom | Source: X.com
The Washington Freedom secured a convincing nine-wicket victory over MI New York via the DLS Method in a rain-affected match of the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2024 at Church Street Park, Morrisville.
MI New York, batting first, found runs hard to come by against a disciplined Washington Freedom bowling attack.
Openers Ruben Clinton (28) provided a steady start, but Glenn Maxwell’s introduction proved decisive as he dismissed Clinton with a clever delivery. Regular wickets at the other end put MI New York on the back foot.
Captain Nicholas Pooran (44 off 30) was the lone warrior, finding boundaries at crucial junctures. He received valuable support from Rashid Khan (31 off 15) and late cameos from Anrich Nortje (14) to help MI New York reach a respectable total of 154.
Saurabh Netravalkar (2-22) and Justin Dill (3-28) were the pick of the Washington Freedom bowlers.
Chasing a revised target of 60 in 7.4 overs under DLS, Washington Freedom lost Travis Head early. However, Steve Smith (46 off 28) stepped up to the occasion and showed that he still has it in him.
The Australian batter put his side in a strong position before rain forced the covers on. With Smith’s knock propelling them to 55/1, Washington Freedom held the upper hand under the DLS method, and secured an easy win.
